PIA Press Release2006/10/11

58-IB battles with rebels

PANACAN, Davao City (11 October) -- Seven armed men believed to be member of LUPAKA lawless group operating in CARAGA region were engaged by the government troops in Barangay Caromata San Miguel, Surigao del Sur.

2LT Clyde Lemuel M Fortunato Of Charlie Company, 58th Infantry Battalion (IB) received an information that there were seven (7) armed men conducting checkpoint at Barangay Caromata San Miguel, Surigao Del Sur. Their targets are the logging trucks passing through the area and extort money from them.

A team led by 2LT Ramon C Rayala JR was dispatch to verify the said information. Upon approaching the armed men, they fired immediately towards the government troops. The firefight lasted for about five (5) minutes which resulted to the capture of one and the casualty of another but as of the moment the identities of the captive and the killed men are still unidentified. The government troops meanwhile suffered none.

One motorcycle was also recovered from the scene of encounter with plate number 2345 and one (1) cal 357 revolver. "There is no place for armed terrorism and extortion in Caraga. The AFP troops will dutifully fulfill its mandate to protect the welfare and rights of law abiding citizens. I call on the progressive groups here in the region to loudly renounce armed terrorism by the NPAs and lawless elements. This bring misfortune to our innocent townsfolks", Maj Jose Maria R Cuerpo II, Group Commander 5th CRG said. (5th CRG News/PIA XI) [top]